Survey finds e-cigarettes, tobacco products easily available to kids in Yolo County stores

New data released Wednesday reveals that Yolo County has more stores selling flavored tobacco products than other areas in the state, and more of these stores are near schools.

These findings are part of a statewide survey on the availability and marketing of tobacco, alcohol and both unhealthy and healthy food products in stores that sell tobacco - the first time all three categories have been analyzed together.

Yolo County Public Information Officer Beth Gabor reported that between July and October 2013, more than 700 public health representatives, community volunteers and youth collected data for the survey from more than 7,300 diverse retail stores including convenience, supermarket, liquor, tobacco, small market, discount, drug and big-box stores.

"The survey includes state, regional and county level data with new insights on the density of stores selling tobacco and their proximity to schools; types of tobacco and alcohol products being sold; advertising and placement of such products in stores; the availability of e-cigarettes; and the availability and promotion of unhealthy and healthy food options," stated Gabor.

"The survey results show those offering unhealthy products are continuing to find new ways to entice our youth, such as flavored cigars which are the same price as a pack of gum, and these products are being marketed throughout our county, often in stores just a few blocks from schools," said Yolo County Health Officer Dr. Constance Caldwell. "We are committed to working with retailers, partners and parents throughout Yolo County to protect our children and make our communities healthier."

Survey results also show that more than 69 percent of stores that sell alcohol have alcohol advertisements near candy and toys and/or related displays below three feet high. This kind of advertising placement makes children susceptible to the flashy colors and bold statements which should be reserved for adults.

"As adults we're desensitized to the unhealthy advertising and products in stores," said Caldwell. "We need to stop and notice how many unhealthy messages are surrounding our children every day. Research shows that young people are highly influenced by the marketing of products like tobacco and alcohol, even more so than peer pressure. Their choices today could either lead to a healthy lifestyle or to obesity, chronic disease and even death."

The findings of the survey show that electronic cigarettes are widely available in Yolo County. More than 45 percent of stores in Yolo County sell e-cigarettes.

Statewide, the number of stores selling e-cigarettes quadrupled in the last two years, from 11.5 percent in 2011 to 45.7 percent in 2013.

"This is yet another highly addictive product that is being aggressively marketed and showing up in retail stores," said Caldwell. "The popularity and prevalence could undermine the great work we've done to reduce tobacco use in California."

The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday voted to ban the use of electronic cigarettes in workplaces and public areas, placing "vaping" into the same category as tobacco smoking.

The council voted 14-0 to restrict e-cigarette smoking where tobacco use is restricted, including restaurants, parks, bars, nightclubs, beaches and workplaces. E-cigarette lounges are exempted.

Several other cities around the country already have restricted e-cigarettes, the battery-powered devices that heat up liquid nicotine so the vapor can be inhaled. Some states also are considering regulations, and a U.S. Senate bill introduced last month would curb electronic cigarette marketing while the fast-growing industry awaits regulation by the Food and Drug Administration.

Proponents say they lack the toxic tars of tobacco cigarettes and could help people kick the smoking habit.

Councilman Joe Buscaino said a relative who was a longtime smoker turned to e-cigarettes.

Electronic cigarettes "are not tobacco, and I don't think they should be regulated exactly the same way," Buscaino said.

However, his amendment to exempt bars and nightclubs - typically adults-only venues - from the restrictions fell short of passage.

Critics note the lack of research on e-cigarette safety and say it could be a gateway into smoking for young people.

Wednesday's data release also marks the launch of Healthy Stores for a Healthy Community, a statewide campaign formed by tobacco prevention, nutrition and alcohol prevention partners working in collaboration to improve the health of Californians by informing them about the impacts of unhealthy product marketing in the retail environment.